DraftKings to Enter Alberta iGaming Market with Golden Nugget Online

^{DraftKings is entering Alberta's regulated iGaming market on July 13 with two brands, making it the only operator launching with this dual-brand setup. (Photo: Robert W / Alamy)}

DraftKings is coming to Alberta and will bring two brands to the launch of regulated online gambling in the province. Alongside the brand’s flagship online sportsbook and casino, the brand will also debut its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand in Alberta on day one. This will make DraftKings one of the few operators to run two different casino platforms from the start.

Alberta will be the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino is available, adding to its presence in Ontario, which launched in 2022. With the Alberta launch, the brand’s iGaming options will be available in five U.S. states, and Golden Nugget Online Gaming will be available in four U.S. states, along with both brands operating in Alberta and Ontario in Canada after July 13.

World Cup Watch Party Will Kick Off Launch

DraftKings is capitalizing on the fact that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for July 19, just six days after Alberta's market goes live. Ahead of the official launch, DraftKings will host a World Cup watch party on July 11 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Calgary, featuring live match viewing, giveaways, and interactive activations. The Calgary event is part of a series of similar watch parties that DraftKings has hosted across North America during the tournament, including events in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Hoboken, New Jersey.

"Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we're excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences," said Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings. "Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings."

Later this year, Canada's largest annual sporting event will give DraftKings another opportunity to capitalize on Alberta bettors. The Grey Cup is scheduled for November 15 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, which will decide the 2026 Canadian Football League (CFL) championship. Alberta has two CFL franchises: the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Elks, which gives bettors in the province much greater local stakes.

To celebrate the Alberta launch, DraftKings employees will also volunteer with Food Banks Alberta and donate $150,000 to the organization. The funding will help purchase over 40,000 pounds of essential food items to be distributed through Food Banks Alberta's network of member food banks, ensuring resources reach communities both large and small throughout the province.

What Alberta Players Can Expect on Day One 

Customers in Alberta will have access to DraftKings’ full sports betting and online casino collection, including same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, and special odds boosts on DraftKings Sportsbook. 

On the casino side, that includes fan favorites like Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin (which just celebrated its 30th anniversary), along with exclusive slot titles and progressive jackpots across both Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings Casino.

H2 Gambling Capital estimates online casino gambling in Alberta under the new regulatory setup will have a significant effect on the province’s economy, bringing in around C$850 million in gaming revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. They also estimate that it will climb to $1.57 billion the following year. 

Both the DraftKings Sports and Casino app and the Golden Nugget Online Gaming casino app are available to download now on iOS and Android ahead of the July 13 launch date.